Inter Miami Coach Condemns Sentence Against Messi And Alba: MLS Plin-plan

Lionel Messi was punished by MLS for not appearing in the All-Star Game (Instagram/@intermimatif).

JAKARTA - Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano criticized MLS (Major League Soccer)'s decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for home matches.

The two players missed their 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

They were convicted of one game for not participating in the All-Star Game. The league rules state that any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league has no right to compete in their next club game, which forces Messi and Alba to step aside.

Mascherano also questioned whether the same decision would be made if Inter Miami played away.

"I have an opinion on what happened, but I didn't come here to criticize MLS or change the rules."

"We don't adapt to what happened. However, the fact is I don't agree with the decision. I totally disagree, but, well, we've adapted."

"Now I have a question: What would happen if the match against FC Cincinnati was an away game? Does that also prevent Leo from playing?"

"Because to fill the stadium and make money, no one complains, right? The problem is, this match takes place at home. I leave it to you," said Mascherano.

Prior to the All-Star Game, MLS commissioner Don Garber admitted that Inter Miami was suffering from a busy schedule that saw the team play four games at the 2025 Club World Cup.

Alba mengalami cedera setelah pertandingan melawan New York Red Bulls pada 19 Juli 2025.

However, MLS chose to maintain the rule.

"What I find strange is that one day they say one thing and the next day they make completely different decisions."

"Because we all heard what was said, that it was understandable, given the number of matches he had played. We didn't ask that it be handled differently," Mascherano said.

Mascherano's comments followed comments by one of the owners of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, who last week called the decision disappointing Messi.

Despite the absence of the players, Inter Miami managed to hold the Cincinnati 0-0 FC draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday, July 26, 2025, evening local time.

Tim juga memperkenalkan pemain baru Rodrigo De Paul sebelum pertandingan dimulai, memperkenalkan sang pemenang Piala Dunia dan rekan setim Messi di Argentina kepada para suporter.

"The signing of Rodrigo De Paul is clearly another historic signing, a new historic signing for the club."

"He is a world champion, at the age of now, 31, at the peak of his career. I think this reflects the club's ambition to continue to grow as a club, to continue to add value to the league despite being treated poorly."

"This club continues to invest, continues to strive to increase the value of the team, and most importantly, I hope he helps us as we expected. We wish them all the best in this new phase," said Mascherano.

Apart from that, Inter Miami will now be preparing to debut in the 2025 edition of the MLS League Cup on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, local time, against the MX League team, Atlas.